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gone or unknown (details here)
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Location Category ID:
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3100
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Address: |
Northwood Camp, 490 Newport Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8QU
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Telephone: |
01983 527411 for Charitable Trust, 01983 520344 for Sales.
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Email: |
info [at] isleofwightmilitaryhistorymuseum.co.uk (Replace [at] with @)
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Opening Times: |
Closed for Winter 2011/12.
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Official Website: |
Isle of Wight Military History Museum
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Other Links: |
Military Museum
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Latitude, Longitude: |
50.73133507
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-1.3045
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Location Accuracy: |
7
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Tanks Previously Here: |
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In 1993 a group of like-minded enthusiasts got together and came up with the idea for the Isle of Wight Military History Museum. After a number of meetings and discussions the decision was made to go ahead with the project. A suitable site was found along the Newport to Cowes Road which was perfect because it used to be the old army camp. A design for the museum had been finalised, and after two years’ delay permission was finally granted. Since then a lot of work has gone into making the museum a reality and finally we saw the initial opening in August 2003. To this day the Museum is still going strong thanks to all its visitors and support from local enthusiasts. (Source: IOWMHM).
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Museum Building
| Location ID: | 3102 | | Latitude, Longitude: | 50.7313529, -1.30490273 | | Location Accuracy: | 7 |
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Unique ID: |
2297
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
General Steel logo cast into glacis. “1608” and “L4451 081” cast into right transmission cover. “2246” cast into left transmission cover.
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This Sherman is being restored by using parts from a number of different tanks. Its hull has been rebuilt by welding together the front hull from one tank with the rear hull from another tank. It is empty inside, and is missing its turret, tracks and many other external components. It was the subject of a documentary. The transmission covers show signs of small calibre penetrations.
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Unique ID: |
2298
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Serial Number: |
“?6?” (turret) cast into turret, just visible behind track pads on turret sides.
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“LO44”? stamped into left side of mantlet.
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Unique ID: |
2299
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Serial Number: |
“601-15 M6520-6749 1-129”? stamped into upper glacis. “30 332”? and grid stamped into lower glacis.
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“5274” painted on turret sides and glacis splash board. Czech insignia painted on turret sides. Grid and other markings stamped into left turret side.
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This tank is in running order and regularly takes part in driving displays. While previously identified as a T-55 is has distinctive T-54 characteristics such as the ventilator dome on top of the turret in front of the loader’s hatch, the lack of a vent opening on the lower edge of the right turret side, and the lack of a bevel on the lower edge of the turret casting (source: T. Roberts).
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Unique ID: |
2300
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
79th Armoured Division insignia painted on hull front.
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An information board with this vehicle describes its restoration with photographs: “CENTAUR DOZER TANK – 1944. OWNED/RESTORED BY DAVID ARNOLD. Found in Pounds scrap yard Portsmouth 31 years after being surplussed in 1957. Rescue work began. After being purchased in 1988, two days were spent preparing the tank to be moved. Transporting to the Isle of Wight. Although complete, the inside of the tank was in very poor condition. Shot blasted and painted inside and out. Gearbox and engine bay rebuilt. Engine before and after... Engine back in tank. [Then it was tried out moving earth] just to prove that it works”.
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Unique ID: |
2302
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“Comet No.1” printed on label on glacis.
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This Comet was found in 1993 on a German firing range and brought back to the Isle of Wight. It is undergoing restoration; it is missing its turret, engine, tracks and many other parts. Its turret is likely to be replaced by one of those in the museum’s collection.
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Unique ID: |
2303
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“Comet No.3” printed on label on glacis.
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This Comet was a gate guardian at Castlemartin firing range in South Wales. When it was placed on its plinth it had 52 miles on its odometer. It is undergoing restoration; it is missing its turret, engine, tracks and many other parts. Its turret is likely to be replaced by one of those in the museum’s collection.
It was recently put on sale on MilWeb with the following text: “We have the following vehicles for sale: Two A34 Comets which featured in Tank Overhaul on TV. Both in need of full restoration but we can sell as packages as we have the largest stock of Comet spares around. Serious offers please.”.
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Unique ID: |
2061
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
19 ZR 52, previously T335965.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“Comet No.2” printed on label on glacis.
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The Bovington database lists a Comet hull used to test engines and transmissions by RARDE Chertsey. The vehicle was built as a Mark 1B type, with engine serial 12042, later 12642. It was later used as a trial Malkara launch vehicle and was fitted with a Meteor 4 Engine which does not line up with the gearbox as it has the wrong sump. (Source: Museum Vehicle Record).
It was put on the museum books in 1990. Marked ‘GONE’ in Bovington museum record. It is presumed that this is the same vehicle and that it was transferred to the Isle of Wight.
This Comet came from Chobham in Surrey and was used as an experimental vehicle. It has had a new front welded on as the original was removed to accommodate a prototype rocket launcher. (Source: IOWMM).
It is undergoing restoration; it is missing its turret, engine, tracks and many other parts. Its turret is likely to be replaced by one of those in the museum’s collection.
It was recently put on sale on MilWeb with the following text: “We have the following vehicles for sale: Two A34 Comets which featured in Tank Overhaul on TV. Both in need of full restoration but we can sell as packages as we have the largest stock of Comet spares around. Serious offers please.”.
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Unique ID: |
2301
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
T335227: “T335227” painted on nose.
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Name: |
“VICTOR” painted on hull front and left turret side.
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Other Identification: |
Blue square painted on left turret side. 11th Armoured Division insignia painted on nose.
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This Comet is undergoing restoration; its turret is currently removed and stored on a turret stand.
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Unique ID: |
2304
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Serial Number: |
178: “178” stamped into lower right glacis.
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“BMI3306-2 96208 312211 -1 H.LD62” stamped into right stowage box.
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This Centurion is in running order and regularly gives driving displays. It is missing its side skirts. Its serial number and rear turret hatch, and the lack of additional forward return rollers, indicate that it was built as a Mark 2 before being up-gunned with a Type A 20pdr gun to Mark 3 standard.
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Unique ID: |
2305
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
12 BA 55: “12 BA 55” painted on plate on hull rear.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“EMPIRE D&U 40736T 214” cast into right turret side. Fitted with triple rubber block track. Painted overall desert sand (previously green and black).
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This AVRE was seen in August 2009 in poor condition but essentially complete. By August 2010 it had been restored and repainted. It is in running order.
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Unique ID: |
2306
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
39 MS 98: “39 MS 98” painted on plate on rear right stowage box.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
Fitted with triple rubber pad tracks.
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This ARV is in running order. It is used for moving vehicles around at the museum, and also gives driving displays.
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Unique ID: |
1378
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
T251952/D: “T251952/D” painted on hull sides.
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Name: |
“GUILDFORD” (previously “ASCOT”) painted on side air intakes.
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Other Identification: |
“8C” painted in red and black square on turret sides and hull air intakes. “Fording Height” painted forward and rear on hull sides. (Previously “152” painted on front right mud flap, shield emblem painted on front left mud flap, “1” inside a triangle painted on turret sides). Painted overall sand (previously overall green).
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This vehicle appears to be an early re-worked Mk I or Mk II which has been given a new turret and then upgraded to Mk VI specification by the mounting of a 75mm gun, ARV cupola and Mk VII suspension (source: Churchill Register). It used to be on display at the Bovington Tank Museum entrance. Marked ‘LOAN OUT’ in Bovington museum database on 30 June 2005.
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Unique ID: |
2096
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
41 BA 16 (source: R. Griffin/Conqueror).
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Name: |
“WILLIAM” painted on forward side skirts.
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Other Identification: |
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‘William the Conqueror’ stood for many years as one of the collection of gate guardian vehicles at the Ludgershall vehicle depot. When that depot closed down as part of defence cuts the vehicle was purchased by Pounds scrapyard of Portsmouth. When seen there a large amount of ship’s anchor chain had been placed on top of the turret to prevent access by vandals. During its service life it served mostly at FVRDE and took part in trials in trying to lower the infrared signature from the exhaust pipes; it still has large round exhaust pipes fitted. (Source: R. Griffin/Conqueror).
It was displayed for some years on a bridgelayer bridge in front of the museum; it has now been moved inside for restoration. Currently it is in poor condition, showing signs of severe rust and other damage.
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Unique ID: |
2307
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Serial Number: |
189?: “189” stamped into hull rear.
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Registration: |
“S234567” (British, presumed fake) painted on superstructure sides and hull rear.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
Unit markings painted on superstructure front.
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This Sexton is in running order.
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External Storage Area
| Location ID: | 3104 | | Latitude, Longitude: | 50.73163218, -1.3043341 | | Location Accuracy: | 7 |
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Unique ID: |
2308
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
General Steel logo cast into glacis. “215”? cast into right transmission cover. “E12?2 SP 2623”? cast into centre transmission cover. “638” cast into left transmission cover.
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This Sherman is consists of parts from a number of different tanks and is little more than a wreck. It has the front hull from one tank and the rear hull from another tank. It is missing its turret, tracks and many other external components. It was recovered from a range and its glacis and transmission covers show signs of small calibre penetrations. Along with the Museum’s other M4A1 it was the subject of a documentary.
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Unique ID: |
2309
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“(W) 7587183 ER 273”? cast into right turret side. Painted overall white.
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This M47 appears to have been a wreck recovered from a firing range. It is in a poor and rusted condition, but otherwise appears to be largely complete.
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Unique ID: |
2130
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
Wreck.
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This Cavalier was put on the Bovington museum books in 1996; it was planned to be used with Bovington’s other Cavalier to make one vehicle. It was moved to the coach park in 2002. (Source: Museum Vehicle Record).
This Cavalier was recovered from the Otterburn Training Area (OTA) in the 1990s (source: steveo578/HMVF). It has since been transferred to the IOW museum (source: A. Barrell/HMVF). It is missing many of its roadwheels and has its tracks piled on top of the forward hull and turret.
It was recently put on sale on MilWeb with the following text: “We have the following vehicles for sale: A24 Cavalier. As far as we know there is only two left so a very rare second world war tank. It is in a very bad shape and will require a lot of work. Serious offers please.”.
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Unique ID: |
2310
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“11/55”, “ANTIFREEZE DO NOT DRAIN” and other markings painted on hull front.
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This Centaur Dozer appears to have been a wreck recovered from a firing range. It appears to be largely complete apart from missing its dozer blade.
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Unique ID: |
2186
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
T130751?: “130751-\7” just visible painted on hull rear.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“٣٠” (30 in Arabic) painted on hull front. Numbers faintly visible painted on nose. Painted overall desert sand.
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This Charioteer is rusty and largely empty inside. It is missing its engine and other components. It is presumed to have served with the Jordanian army.
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Unique ID: |
2032
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Other Identification: |
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This Challenger hull was rescued from a firing range in Lincolnshire. The turret came from RAF Holbeach’s bombing range near King’s Lynn, Norfolk, and was restored and partly sectioned by RARDE, Chertsey in 1985 in preparation for restoration (the hull was also there). That restoration is due to take place at IOWMM, where it has been since about 1999 (source: steveo578/HMVF).
The hull of this Challenger is very rusty and largely empty inside. It is missing its engine, some roadwheels and other components. A label reads “This vehicle is here awaiting stabilisation work to the hull, which has seen severe salt corrosion, on behalf of the Tank Museum Bovington”.
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Unique ID: |
2311
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Serial Number: |
“P2” painted on nose and hull rear.
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Registration: |
04 ED 85: “04 ED 85” previously painted on nose.
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Name: |
“MAJOR PICTON’S PALACE” painted on hull rear.
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Other Identification: |
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This is believed to be the second prototype of the FV3805 developed by FVRDE. It was converted to be an observation vehicle on the Shoeburyness firing range. The main armament has been removed and replaced by a glass vision block. It is in poor condition, and is stored outside with a metal frame sitting on its roof.
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Unique ID: |
1987
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
Wreck.
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The Bovington database lists a very poor condition Churchill Mark VII tank that was rescued from Warminster Range and put on the museum books in 2002. Marked ‘GONE’ in museum record on 17 September 2002. It is presumed that this is the same vehicle and that it was been transferred to the Isle of Wight. It is missing its turret, tracks, sprockets, idlers and many other components. It is believed that it is being used as a ‘donor’ vehicle for parts for restoring the other Churchills in the museum’s collection.
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Unique ID: |
2316
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
Wreck.
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This Crocodile appeared in the external storage area between August 2009 and August 2010. It is in a poor and rusty condition, missing its tracks, sprockets, idlers and many other components. It came from Salisbury Plain (source: P.-O. Buan/AFVNDB); its turret was recovered in about 1990 but the hull was still in situ in 2006.
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Unique ID: |
2162
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
“Merlin”.
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Other Identification: |
Wreck. Remains of white paint on hull and turret.
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This AVRE was recovered in September/October 2002 from the Otterburn Training Area, Northumberland. It was an early rebuild to Mark IV standard, with linked forward suspension units and remodelled air outlet. (Source: Churchill Register). It has a label that reads “Perhaps the most important feature to this vehicle, is the fact we know its name, therefore making it possible to trace its history! Merlin is also full of concrete, a step taken by the army when it was placed out as a target on a firing range to make it harder and last longer. Fortunately however it was placed as such that it could not be seen very well from the firing point, meaning it has seen very little damage, and we were lucky enough to be allowed to recover it for restoration”.
It is very rusty and is missing some components such as the main gun, and the hull doors and air intake on the left side. It retains curved rails around the sprockets that were fitted during recovery to allow the tracks to move freely (source: steveo578/HMVF).
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Unique ID: |
2313
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“214 10 2 V27076” cast into left turret side. Four brackets welded to turret roof. Gun missing and aperture plated over.
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The identity of this Conqueror is unknown, though it resembles modified vehicles used on the ranges at Kircudbright and Shoeburyness.
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Unique ID: |
2314
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“102” (previously “7”) daubed on bottom left of glacis.
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This Mark II was used as a training aid for recovery crews by the REME at Bordon. Most of its time was spent sitting in a water-filled hole on the area and every so often it was winched out and then pushed back in again. It has since come to the Museum and is to be fully restored. (Source: R. Griffin/Conqueror).
It is in a poor and rusty condition and is missing its track guards and many other external parts.
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Unique ID: |
2315
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
“10 ESC” cast into front left hatch. “IAN” daubed on centre of glacis. Sides are painted white (a common practice for range targets).
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This Mark II was on the ranges of Otterburn training area before being recovered to be restored (source: R. Griffin/Conqueror). It is in a poor and rusty condition and is missing its track guards and many other external parts. It also shows signs of explosive ‘splash’ on the glacis, presumably from its time on ranges.
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Nigel Montgomery Collection
| Location ID: | 3108 | | Latitude, Longitude: | 0, 0 | | Location Accuracy: | 0 |
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Unique ID: |
1990
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
T??083: “T??083” barely visible painted on nose.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
Wreck.
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The Bovington database lists a very poor condition Churchill Mark III tank that was rescued from Warminster Range and put on the museum books in 2002. Marked ‘GONE’ in museum record on 17 September 2002. It is presumed that this is the same vehicle and that it was been transferred to the Isle of Wight. It is very rusty; it is missing its turret and other components but appears to be being prepared for restoration.
This particular Churchill tank had been converted from a gun tank to an AVRE, and had appliqué armour fitted not only to the hull, but also to the turret front and sides. It was rescued from a range in relatively poor condition. It had received a hit on the turret roof, probably from a shell. A charge had been set off under the front of the turret, damaging both the hull, behind the driver’s and co-driver’s hatches, as well as the underside of the turret. The left hand pannier door had been blown off, and the interior was suffering from extensive corrosion. The engine and gearbox were both still in place. The aim of the restoration is to return the tank to a Churchill Tank Mk III* with a 75mm gun. The appliqué armour will be retained, albeit with the AVRE fittings removed. The turret has been repaired and will have an all-round vision cupola fitted – as it was originally on the tank. The pannier door will be replaced with one recovered from a range, and the hull stripped out and repaired. The remains of the ‘T’ number for the tank is visible. It ends in 83 and probably had ‘0’ before the 83. (Source: ChurchillTank.com).
The MAFVA website lists a Churchill AVRE with registration T31083 so it is possibly the same vehicle (source: MAFVA.net).
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Unique ID: |
2015
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Serial Number: |
5365 (source: Museum Vehicle Record).
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Registration: |
08 ZV 84, previously T31579.
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
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This Churchill was originally a Link Ark vehicle and was put on the Bovington museum books in 1965. Marked ‘GONE’ in museum record on 15 June 2004 and ‘Not on premises (VB 20.5.2004)’. (Source: Bovington Vehicle Record).
It was restored as a Mark IV gun tank at the Isle of Wight Museum. It took part in Tankfest 2011 at Bovington. While undergoing restoration in 2009 it had an information board that read:
| CHURCHILL RESTORATION |
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This is the chassis of what was once a “Churchill Ark” this was an experimental Vehicle, and an early example of this type of chassis and is a square door MK2 built around 1942.
The Ark which can be seen in the photograph has been removed and all its supporting framework and brackets cut off the chassis.
It has had all its internal equipment removed this includes such items as the Engine Transmission and controls wiring and all electrical and hydraulic equipment.
Since in its form as an Ark it did not have a gun turret fitted, we now have a correct turret which we have restored and is now ready to be fitted to the hull on its completion.
The Track have been removed and are now being used as a track to enable the chassis to be moved in and out of the workshop.
The chassis as you see it has been sand blasted and painted in primer, and at present is undergoing the last few small jobs prior to being painted in its final green livery this work will be followed by the fitting out of all the pipe work wiring etc.
Then starts the massive job of overhauling all the machinery ready to be reinstalled back in the chassis.
This vehicle will be finally fitted with its turret and the main gun which has been restored.
Then after a period of static testing will come running trials.
It is believed that there are only two working examples in existence at present, and this vehicle will be the third and the only fully restored example, as the other two tanks have not had a complete restoration carried out on them. |
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Unique ID: |
2312
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Serial Number: |
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Registration: |
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Name: |
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Other Identification: |
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This vehicle was originally a Mark VII in its post-war AVRE form but it is being restored to the standard Mark VII version. Unlike most surviving Mk VII tanks, this one was not converted to a flame thrower Crocodile variant although, as with all tanks of this Mark, there are bolts at the rear to permit the flame thrower trailer attachment to be fitted. The tank had been used as an occasional infantry anti-tank weapon target, and the main armament was damaged by a charge being placed in the barrel. The right hand side pannier door had been removed but was found lying next to the tank. (Source: ChurchillTank.com).
The turret of this tank was visible in 2009 mounted on a Sherman M4A1 hull, though the tank itself could not be seen.
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